Kids' Safety Plan

Easy, child-friendly safety planning guidance for parents to use with kids.

Kids' Safety Plan

Safety words

These are special words or short phrases that mean a specific thing.

• Pick 1 word that means: “I want to leave the room.”
• Pick 1 word that means: “Please call or text for help.”
• Pick 1 word that means: “Do not talk right now.”
• Make sure every kid knows:
  • What each word means
  • When to use each word
  • Who is allowed to use the words
• Practice using the words in normal, calm moments:
  • Say the word
  • Do the matching action (leave, call, stay quiet, etc.)
• Do not write the safety words where unsafe people can see them.

Safe rooms

Safe rooms are places where kids can go to lower risk.

• Walk through the home and look for:
  • Rooms with 2 exits if possible (for example: door and window)
  • Rooms that lock from the inside
  • Rooms without things that can easily break
  • Rooms away from sharp objects
• Pick 1–2 main safe rooms.
• Show kids:
  • How to get to the safe rooms quickly
  • How to unlock and lock doors if that is part of the plan
  • How to open any window that is part of the plan, if age-appropriate
• Decide what each kid does in the safe room:
  • Who sits where
  • Who keeps a small bag, if you choose to pack one
  • Who calls or texts another adult, if that is part of the plan

Safe neighbors

Safe neighbors are adults nearby who can help if asked.

• Make a short list (on paper or in your phone) of:
  • Neighbors you trust
  • Other nearby adults (for example: building manager, front desk)
• For each safe neighbor, write down:
  • Name
  • Apartment number or house number
  • Phone number
• Decide with kids:
  • Which neighbor to go to first
  • What to say at the door (for example: “Can I stay here for a little while?”)
  • Whether they should knock, ring, or call first
• Explain to kids:
  • They do not need to explain everything
  • They can simply say they feel unsafe or scared

What to do if scared

These are simple steps kids can follow.

• If there is yelling or fighting in the home:
  • Go to the agreed safe room or safe place
  • Use the safety word if needed
  • Stay away from the people who are fighting
• If a kid feels scared and is alone in a room:
  • Move to the safe room, if possible
  • Use a phone only if it is safe to do so
  • Call or text a trusted adult if that is part of the plan
• If a kid needs to leave the home:
  • Use the safest exit (door or window that was planned)
  • Go directly to the safe neighbor or safe place you decided on
  • Use simple words to ask for help
• If a kid cannot leave:
  • Go to the safest room that is reachable
  • Stay low and away from windows if there are thrown objects
  • Try to stay out of doorways and hallways where people are moving quickly

What NOT to do

These are actions kids are told to avoid, to lower risk.

• Do not try to stop adults from fighting with your body.
• Do not stand between adults who are arguing.
• Do not grab or pull at adults during a fight.
• Do not try to take away objects from adults.
• Do not run toward loud noises or breaking items.
• Do not hide in places with no exit if there is a safer option.
• Do not use social media or group chats to talk about the situation while it is happening.
• Do not use safety words as a joke or game.

Recommended Articles

• Safety Planning Checklist
• Planning to Leave as Safely as Possible
• Gathering and Storing Evidence Safely
• Digital and Phone Safety Basics
• Talking to Kids About Safety in Simple Terms